Police are investigating £500,000 in donations made to Reform UK by Fiona Cottrell, mother of convicted fraudster George Cottrell, amid concerns of evading donation restrictions. The inquiry, initiated in February 2025 following a referral from the Electoral Commission, focuses on two separate donations of £250,000 made in May 2024.
Details of the Investigation
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that two individuals have been interviewed under caution regarding the donations. The investigation centers on whether these contributions were intended to conceal an impermissible donation, violating section 61 of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000.
These donations are reportedly distinct from a previous deposit of approximately £1 million made by Fiona Cottrell to Britain Means Business, a company run by Richard Tice, Reform's deputy leader. The National Crime Agency has been alerted to this transfer, which has raised questions about its origin.
Fiona Cottrell's Financial Contributions
Fiona Cottrell, who has not publicly commented on the investigation, has donated a total of £1.75 million to Reform UK and its fundraising arm. Despite her significant contributions, she is described as being of relatively modest means.
Legal representatives for George Cottrell have remained tight-lipped about his financial ties to his mother and the political party. The ongoing investigation may compel Reform's leadership to clarify the nature of George's relationship with Farage and his involvement in party finances.
George Cottrell's Background
George Cottrell, who has frequently appeared alongside Nigel Farage, was convicted in 2017 for wire fraud and served eight months in a US prison. He has been linked to various financial activities, including alleged involvement with a multimillion-pound gambling syndicate and cryptocurrency ventures.
Despite his questionable past, Cottrell's lawyers assert that he qualifies as a permissible donor, but have not elaborated on this claim. Questions remain about his role within the party and whether he should be classified as an impermissible donor due to his residency in Montenegro.
- £500,000 donations from Fiona Cottrell
- Investigated by Metropolitan Police
- Related to Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000
- £1 million transfer to Britain Means Business
- George Cottrell's background in fraud and gambling
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by Guardian Politics. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
